NDLEA Nabs Drug Kingpin After 13 Years on the Run

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Lukman Afolabi Alani (also known as Ahmadu Kayode Alani), after he successfully evaded capture for 13 years. He was apprehended at his hideout in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Alani had been on the agency’s wanted list since 2011 following his involvement in a massive drug trafficking operation. He was linked to the shipment of 3.65kg of cocaine and heroin concealed in industrial equipment destined for Europe.

Investigations revealed that the suspect used multiple identities and frequently moved between different West African countries to avoid detection. Despite his long disappearance, the NDLEA maintained a cold case file and utilized advanced intelligence to track him.

The kingpin’s arrest follows the previous conviction of his accomplices, who were caught during the initial 2011 operation. Those associates had already served their jail terms while Alani remained a fugitive, continuing his illicit activities in the shadows.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the tenacity of the officers involved in the long-term manhunt. He stated that the arrest serves as a warning that there is no hiding place for drug traffickers, no matter how long it takes.

The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to face charges related to the 2011 shipment and other potential crimes uncovered during his time in hiding. This breakthrough is viewed as a significant victory for the agency’s anti-narcotics campaign.